Urbanity Dance
In seven years, founder and director (and former Boston Ballet teacher) Betsi Graves has grown Urbanity Dance into a thrilling, whimsical, acrobatic beast. Last year, the company collaborated twice with local chamber orchestra A Far Cry, leaping and weaving with the violinists in Jordan Hall. At the Institute of Contemporary Art in February, they performed "Bend," an orgy of strobe lights and corporeal geometry. Whether twisting into one another to form a human skirt or wrestling with their shadows, Urbanity's dancers fulfill their mission to "elevate physical intelligence." 1180 Washington St., Boston, MA 02118, urbanitydance.org.
Flair Boston
You found it. The dress. Now it’s your bridesmaids’ turn. Choose a frock they’ll want to wear again (really) at Flair, where owner Stacey Kraft helps bridal parties sift through rack upon colorful rack of shifts, one-shoulders, and A-lines from top designers such as Jenny Yoo, Anna Elyse, and the Dessy Group. Beloved by wedding pros, the airy studio offers top-notch service and refreshingly honest advice. 140 Newbury St., Boston, MA flairbridesmaid.com.
Everything But Water
In a region with four distinct seasons, it can be near impossible to find a retailer that stocks bathing suits year round. Rather than resign yourself to hit-or-miss online shopping for that midwinter trip to warmer climes, head west to Everything but Water. Looking for a retro-inspired one-piece? A specific shade of orange to match your new lipstick? This Natick store has it all, from designers like Nanette Lepore and Trina Turk, gorgeously displayed in January, July, and every month in between. Just add water, indeed. Natick Mall, 1245 Worcester St. #1126, Natick, MA 01760, everythingbutwater.com.
Spoke
There’s a reason why chefs like Oleana’s Ana Sortun are regulars at this low-key industry favorite: Owner Felisha Foster has taken the pomp and predictability out of the wine-bar experience. Even better, one of the city’s best young chefs, John daSilva, churns out worthy eats like smoked mussels and ’nduja from the shoebox-size kitchen. 89 Holland St., Somerville, MA 02144, spokewinebar.com.
Harbor View Hotel
After dropping off your bags in one of this waterfront hotel’s plush rooms or suites, each decked out in teals and taupes, order a cocktail at the in-house bar Henry’s (the Thyme After Thyme is finished with local sea salt) and take it out to the wraparound porch. Sip and savor sweeping views of Chappaquiddick and Edgartown lighthouse. Repeat. You are now officially on vacation. 131 N. Water St., Edgartown, MA 02539, harbor-view.com.
Danger Booth
When it comes to giving your guests custom photo keepsakes, it's best to think outside the box—or, in this case, the booth. Danger's open-air, freestanding unit (complete with a touchscreen, flash, and printer) can be as civilized or as crazy as you desire, with photo-fun experts on hand to hem a themed fabric backdrop, print out a step-and-repeat, or even hook you up with a designer for one-of-a-kind scenery. Move over, Instagram. thedangerbooth.com.
Kate McElwee
Enthusiasm, thy name is Kate. Just one look at this shutterbug's standout portfolio and you'll be giddy. McElwee is adept at capturing the big day's subtle, playful side—a bride's reflection in her groom's glasses, a surprise twirl during the first dance. She works well with natural light outside and shadows inside, so every photo she snaps is worth a thousand words. katemcelweephotography.com.
Brilliant Earth
Your relationship is conflict-free—shouldn't your ring be, too? The pros at Brilliant Earth go well beyond the industry standard, tracking diamonds from the time they leave the mine to the time they're cut and polished. A selection of fresh settings made from recycled metals and one-of-a-kind vintage looks, meanwhile, make it even easier to say yes. 38 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, brilliantearth.com.
The Green Room
From the moment Jessica Thornton asks her first question—"What do you want your hair to say about you?"—it's clear she genuinely wants you to love your locks. The stylist leaves hair so perfectly voluminous that some of her regulars can't resist visiting her one-woman shop for a blowout ($85) multiple times a week. 40 River St., Boston, MA 02114, greenroomboston.com.
Blue Hills Bank Pavilion
Harbor views and cool summer breezes augment a listening experience that provides access to big-name acts (the coming months will bring Slayer and Diana Ross) without the hassle of stadium seating. A shifting naming-rights situation may make it hard to keep track of what to call this outdoor music emporium, but it's long been one of the best reasons to visit the Seaport. 290 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 02210, .
Hojoko
On a menu loaded with raw fish and kimchi, the Hojoko cheeseburger reads like a nod to timid palates. And maybe it is—but it's also one of the tastiest fast-food-style burgers we've tried. The Wagyu-chuck-and-short-rib patty is juicy, amply salty, and practically dripping with American cheese and "special sauce," the richness cut with red onion shavings and dashi pickle chips that add a touch of funk. A heap of leggy, golden fries complete the package. The Verb Hotel, 1271 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02215, hojokoboston.com.
Parlor Sports
Just because it's not in the shadow of Fenway doesn't mean this Somerville staple can't hang in the big leagues. Catch any game on one of a dozen TVs while knocking back $10 cocktails and craft beers from the small but stacked list—or fried-plaintain-topped nachos from the kitchen Parlor shares with neighboring Trina's Starlite Lounge. 3 Beacon St., Somerville, MA 02143, parlorsportsbar.com.
Croke Park Whitey's
The bad news is that the nearly windowless room feels like the perfect setting for a bar brawl. The good news is that most nights, the bartender is also a pro boxer. History and blood run deep in what has become one of the last vestiges of old-time Southie: The drinks continue to be strong, and the pool is free, but the stories you'll hear are priceless. 268 W. Broadway, Boston, MA 02127, crokeparkwhiteys.com.
SRV
In the sea of noteworthy Italian restaurants that have opened recently (Benedetto, Bar Mezzana, Mida), small-plates-focused SRV edges out the competition with its umami-rich one-bite cicchetti and bold pasta dishes made with house-milled flour, from garganelli with 'nduja-carrot sugo to strozzapreti with sausage and salsa verde. And thanks to the upgraded dessert program created by new pastry chef Meghan Thompson, the South End hot spot has only gotten better since it clinched this title last year. 569 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA 02118, srvboston.com.
Long's Jewelers
Finding a life partner takes patience, persistence, and considerable luck. Finding the right ring should not. The army of jewelers at Long's assesses your preferences before working with you to compare styles by Scott Kay, Memoire, Ritani, and the store's own brand. No matter if you're in the market for a blinding rock or subdued sparkler, the store will have something suitably special. After all that time spent looking for the right one, this search, mercifully, can be a cinch. 100 Summer St., Boston, MA 2110, longsjewelers.com.